Empower English Language Learners With Tools From the Web

"This timely, user-friendly book provides inservice and preservice ESL teachers with the background and tools needed to implement Web 2.0 technologies in their classes today. The ELLs in these classrooms will benefit from learning English (and content) through rich and motivating technologies such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, visual media, social networking, and Second Life. Designed for teachers who need some guidance in using technology as a teaching tool, this handbook is very easy to follow and provides step by step instructions for even the most inexperienced 'digital (non) natives'!"—Holly Hansen-Thomas, Assistant Professor of Bilingual and ESL EducationTexas Woman's University

Discover how Web 2.0 tools can advance English language learning!

Today's interactive Web tools offer teachers of English language learners a wealth of opportunities to inspire and motivate their students. This user-friendly, research-based guide shows how the "read/write" Web can enhance classroom learning and extend English language acquisition beyond school hours.

Lori Langer de Ramirez, a nationally known expert on ESL teaching and curriculum development, offers strategies for both ESL and mainstream classroom environments. Aligned with national TESOL standards, this resource provides:

A step-by-step guide for a wide range of relevant Web tools/activities, from blogs and podcasts to social networking and more

Classroom-ready projects designed to benefit learners' social and academic language development

Guidance on how and when to use Web tools with elementary, middle, and high school students

Personal narratives from teachers who have successfully used Web tools to teach English language learners

Teacher-tested and parent-approved guidelines for safe and appropriate Internet use

Support your students in gaining language proficiency and 21st-century skills through working with creative, collaborative Web tools!

Great thanks to teachers in Worcester, MA for sharing this video on how they are using the book to improve student achievement.

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Author

1. Why Use Web 2.0 Tools With ELLs?

Introduction

ELLs in Schools: Some Challenges to Consider

Why Web 2.0 With ELLs?

Preparing ELLs for the 21st Century

Web 2.0 and the TESOL Standards

Safety Concerns and the Web

References

Suggested Readings

Helpful Web Sites

2. Blogs: Virtual Language Portfolios

What Is a Blog?

Why Read and Write a Blog With ELLs?

How to Use Blogs With ELLs: A Sample Blog Project

When to Use Blogs With ELLs

Who Is Using Blogs With ELLs?

Make Your Own Blog

Where to Find More Information About Blogs

References

Suggested Readings

Helpful Web Sites

3. Wikis: Collaboration in a Virtual Space

What Is a Wiki?

Why Read or Write a Wiki With ELLs?

How to Use Wikis With ELLs: A Sample Wiki Project

When to Use Wikis With ELLs

Who Is Using Wikis With ELLs?

Make Your Own Wiki

Where to Find More Information About Wikis

Suggested Readings

Helpful Websites

4. Podcasts: Get them Talking!

What Is a Podcast?

Why Listen to and Create Podcasts With ELLs?

How to Use Podcasts With ELLs: A Sample Podcast Project

When to Use Podcasts With ELLs

Who is Using Podcasts With ELLs?

Make Your Own Podcast

Where to Find More Information About Podcasts

References

Suggested Readings

Helpful Web Sites

5. Viewing, Creating, and Sharing Video: YouTube and TeacherTube

What Are YouTube and TeacherTube?

Why View, Create, and Share Videos With ELLs?

How to Use YouTube or TeacherTube With ELLs: Sample YouTube Activities

When to Use YouTube and TeacherTube With ELLs

Who is Using YouTube and TeacherTube With ELLs?

Make Your Own Video

Where to Find More Information About YouTube and TeacherTube

Suggested Readings

Helpful Web Sites

6. Sharing Visual Media: VoiceThread and Flickr

What is Visual Media?

Why Create and Share Visual Media With ELLs?

How to Use VoiceThread and Flickr With ELLs: Digital Storytelling With VoiceThread

When to Use VoiceThread and Flickr With ELLs

Who is Using VoiceThread With ELLs?

Make Your Own VoiceThread

Where to Find More Information About VoiceThread and Flickr

References

Suggested Readings

Helpful Web Sites

7. Social Networking: Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter

What Is Social Networking?

Why Participate in Social Networking With ELLs?

How to Use Social Networking Sites With ELLs: A Sample Facebook Lesson

When to Use Social Networking With ELLs

Who is Using Social Networking With ELLs?

Join a Social Networking Site

Where to Find More Information About Social Networking

Suggested Readings

Helpful Web Sites

8. Social Bookmarking: Diigo and Del.icio.us

What is Social Bookmarking?

Why Participate in Social Bookmarking With ELLs?

How to Use Social Bookmarking With ELLs: The Best Social Bookmarking Applications

When to Use Social Bookmarking With ELLs

Who is Using Social Bookmarking With ELLs?

Make Your Own Social Bookmarking Page

Where to Find More Information About Social Bookmarking

Suggested Readings

Helpful Web Sites

9. Virtual Worlds: Panwapa and Teen Second Life

What Is a Virtual World?

Why Participate in Virtual Worlds With ELLs?

How to Use Virtual Worlds With ELLs: Sample Virtual Worlds Lesson

When to Visit Virtual Worlds With ELLs

Who is Visiting Virtual Worlds With ELLs?

Join the Virtual World

Where to Find More Information About Virtual Worlds

Suggested Readings

Helpful Web Sites

Index

"This timely, user-friendly book provides inservice and preservice ESL teachers with the background and tools needed to implement Web 2.0 technologies in their classes today. The ELLs in these classrooms will benefit from learning English (and content) through rich and motivating technologies such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, visual media, social networking, and Second Life. Designed for teachers who need some guidance in using technology as a teaching tool, this handbook is very easy to follow and provides step-by-step instructions for even the most inexperienced ‘digital (non)natives’!"

"An excellent overview of the potential of Web 2.0 for ESL and other language teachers or administrators who are new to using Web tools. This book offers concrete suggestions, addresses concerns about using certain tools with younger learners, and provides alternatives for the K-12 setting when appropriate. If you want a resource that will help you determine which of the powerful Web 2.0 tools are best for your setting, then this book is for you!"

Elizabeth Scaduto, ESL Director

Riverhead CSD, NY

"This book provides great examples for teachers looking to enhance their practice through technology. These strategies can help not only English language learners, but ALL students!"

Jacie Maslyk, Elementary School Principal

Carlynton School District, Pittsburgh, PA

"Teachers and students are increasingly separated by a technological divide. This quick read will bridge that divide. Nineteenth-century schools cannot effectively prepare 21st-century students. After this quick read, teachers will be ready to jump into Web 2.0 technology with skills every student will envy."

Denise Lewis Harlos, Educational Program Development

Shakopee Public Schools, MN

"I thought the examples and stories that are presented throughout the text were great. Showing how people have used these technologies successfully with ELL students is very motivating and encouraging for the reader."

Provides detailed explanations of the technologies—where to find them, how to use them, how they might fit into an existing curriculum, and how they work well for English Language Learners.

Includes a step-by-step guide to various useful Web sites and how to use them, utilizing screen shots and an easy-to-understand format.

Provides research-based examples and ideas of the types of projects and activities that might work well with the English Language Learners.

Each tool chapter has the following 6 part structure:

What is this tool? What does it do? In this section information is provided about the tool, how it works, and what the main features look like.

Why is this tool great for ELLs? Readers will find a specific rationale for the use of the technology to meet the specific needs of English Language Learners in the mainstream classroom.

How are teachers using this tool with ELLs How does a lesson using this tool work in the ESL classroom? The book explores in detail activities created by ESL teachers that are aligned to both the TESOL standards and the 21st century skills.

When can I use this tool with my ELLs? Expanding on the previous section, adaptations of the activities, as well as alternative activities, are provided for teachers of students in grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

Who is using this tool with ELLs? In a personal narrative, a teacher shares the challenges and the successes in using the tool with ESL students.

Where can we find more information? To complete each chapter, the author offers a list of links to online resources and a bibliography of further readings on the chapter topic.

Available formats

ISBN: 9781412972420

Hardcover

Suggested Retail Price: $80.95

Bookstore Price: $64.76

ISBN: 9781412972437

Paperback

Suggested Retail Price: $39.95

Bookstore Price: $31.96

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